The Faith That Demands a Messiah

By the time you read this, Brazil will likely have delivered the expected thrashing to Haiti, shifting from low spirits to an unreserved belief in a sixth World Cup title. Or, however incredibly improbable, they might be facing a 'Macaranazo' or 'Mineirazo' level disaster. Yet, betting against a Canarinho triumph is almost unthinkable. It's practically impossible for it not to happen, despite constant reminders that in football, anything can occur on the pitch.

Nevertheless, this current Seleção, lacking the magic of past eras that produced gems like Ronaldo Fenômeno, Ronaldinho, and Romário — a first tier post-Pelé, Didi, and Garrincha — or even Djalminha, Rivaldo, Bebeto, Adriano, Zico, Sócrates, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Dani Alves, and Kaká — a second tier — isn't in such dire straits. Though it's enough to make one yearn for Neymar as a Messiah, if you catch my drift.

Neymar, especially the one from his Barcelona days, belongs to that elite first tier. He's one of those who were born with and nurtured immortal talent. However, he couldn't resist worldly temptations and, also having emerged in an era dominated by others, failed to secure a throne and scepter solely for himself.

The closest thing to a peer that the number 10 has around him is Vinicius Júnior, whom his teammates desperately sought when struggling against Morocco. He responded with a moment of brilliance that calmed the African side, but he isn't, nor will he ever be, a leader, with too much on his mind every time he pushes the ball forward. Vinicius and Raphinha need this somewhat hobbled and less agile Neymar. Even if, for now, they still have to play without him. In this World Cup of confirmations, while Brazil yearns for the past, others have faith in the future. After Bouaddi and Diomande, Manzambi was the secret to Switzerland's first victory. Yes, the one from Fribourg, who scored against SC Braga. He's only 20 and a pure talent.